A Halloween Ball

Kenan Thompson dresses up as a rock star to film a commercial for the Hub Network’s Halloween special.

Comedian and actor Kenan Thompson has worn many disguises in his two decades doing sketch comedy on TV. As a teenager, he appeared in various roles the Nickelodeon sketch comedy show All That. In 2003, he joined NBC’s late-night sketch show Saturday Night Live, where he remains a regular cast member. This October, he’ll also be donning several more costumes as the host of the Hub Network’s First Annual Halloween Bash. The TV special will bring together kids from all 50 states for a nationwide costume contest judged by celebrity presenters, including Martha Stewart. The winner will receive $25,000 and a chance at a walk-on role on a Hub Network show, R. L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour. Enter the contest by September 30, at hubworld.com/halloween.

Thompson spoke with TFK about the TV special, which will air on October 26 and feature a performance by Cody Simpson. Thompson also shared someof his thoughts about Halloween.

TFK:

The Hub is currently holding a costume contest and there's still some time left to enter. Do you have any advice for creating a great costume?

KENAN THOMPSON:

Be creative! The more effort, the better.

TFK:

Growing up, did you enjoy celebrating Halloween?

THOMPSON:

I did. I used to love trick-or-treating.

TFK:

What was your favorite candy to come home with?

THOMPSON:

Reece’s Pieces and Snickers.

TFK:

What is your most memorable costume from your childhood?

THOMPSON:

I dressed up as Mr. T once. I had an Incredible Hulk mask one year, but it was just a plastic half-mask, and it was really sweaty.

TFK:

What are you looking forward to most about hosting the event?

THOMPSON:

It's going to be awesome. It's going to be one giant costume ball, a party for kids. That's what I'm looking forward to. Seeing a bunch of smiling little faces.

TFK:

The contest winner can get a walk-on role on RL Stine's The Haunting Hour. Were you a fan of scary stories and movies as a kid?

THOMPSON:

Yeah, Are You Afraid of the Dark? used to scare me. The Ghostbusters cartoon used to scare me, too!

TFK:

What's your favorite scary movie?

THOMPSON:

I don't know if I have a favorite. You can't put Beetlejuice in a horror category. But I like that movie a lot.

TFK:

Any comedy tips for kid comedians?

THOMPSON:

Comedy is all about timing. You have to have good timing with a good joke.

Have you voted in TFK’s Halloween costume poll yet? Let us know what you plan to dress up as below.